Omar Gonzalez prepares for clash of the titans against Alvaro Saborio

CARSON, Calif. – Saturday’s clash between the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake will have no shortage of marquee matchups, but the game may turn on the battle between LA defender Omar Gonzalez and RSL forward Alvaro Saborío.

Although Saborío has terrorized MLS defenses with 43 regular season goals throughout his four year stint in the league, Gonzalez and LA have mostly held the Costa Rican in check as he has tallied just one goal and two assists in six regular season games against the Galaxy. In six games so far in 2013, Saborio has scored three goals with a single assist.

Gonzalez has had success against the burly Costa Rican in recent matchups including their clash while with their respective national teams in an epic World Cup qualifier at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park that was marred by intense snowfall.

As for how Gonzalez intends to slow down Saborío, it will depend on being able to keep the Costa Rican in front of him.

“He’s a really good player, talented with a good touch on the ball. He likes to hold the ball and make good runs. You just have to always keep your eye on him, play him hard and just the key thing is to not let him have any open looks.”